The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), donated emergency relief supplies to Fort Magsaysay, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site, on September 23 to strengthen the Philippines’ disaster preparedness.
The supplies, intended to support at least 10,000 people, were handed over to the Philippine government as part of ongoing efforts to bolster the country’s ability to respond swiftly to natural disasters.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson personally presented the emergency supplies to Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno. The items included shelter-grade tarpaulins, shelter repair tools like handsaws, shovels, ropes, hammers, and nails, as well as kitchen sets with pots, pans, bowls, plates, and utensils.
These will be stored at the OCD warehouse in Fort Magsaysay, enabling rapid distribution when needed.
“Today’s donation demonstrates how EDCA sites like Fort Magsaysay strengthen the Philippines’ humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness efforts,” said Ambassador Carlson. “The U.S. government remains committed to supporting the Philippines as it builds its national and local capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters.”
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
The donation is part of a broader U.S. effort to enhance the Philippines’ disaster resilience. In addition to relief supplies, the U.S. government provides community-based disaster risk reduction, disaster response training, and supports collaboration between civilian, military, and humanitarian agencies in both countries.
National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, stating, “The Philippines and the United States have a strong alliance. This alliance is demonstrated not just through words but through concrete actions of cooperation.”
Long-standing U.S. Support for Disaster Relief
Since 2010, the U.S. government, primarily through USAID, has provided nearly Php19.6 billion ($344 million) in disaster relief and recovery aid to the Philippines. This assistance has helped build disaster risk reduction capacity across the country, ensuring that local governments and communities can respond more effectively to natural calamities like typhoons, earthquakes, and floods.
Fort Magsaysay, the largest military camp in the Philippines and a key EDCA site, plays a vital role in these disaster response efforts.
The U.S.-Philippine partnership under EDCA allows for increased joint military training and infrastructure development, which also strengthens the country’s capacity to respond to emergencies.